Recycling scrap metal significantly contributes to the well-being of our environment. 

• Saves energy Ores that are mined physically destroy surrounding land. They also require a high level of energy to be heated and smelted into usable materials. Melting down scrap metal is more energy efficient. Recycling aluminium uses 95% less energy than producing from a new ore. 

• Reduces pollution Recycling more scrap metal reduces the need for ore mining which uses chemicals ultimately ending up in water supplies. Also electronic devices that end up in landfills leach toxins,such as lead and mercury, into the soil which can find their way into water courses and even the air. 

• Saves landfills Recycling scrap metal reduces the amount of waste material that ends up in our landfills. Cutting back on landfill waste helps to reduce the size of landfills, their operating costs and the associated machinery to manage them 

• Reduces greenhouse gases Air pollution and climate change pose the biggest threat to mankind. Recycling scrap metal saves the need for mining, which in turn saves natural habitats. As a process, scrap metal recycling uses less heat and energy reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 

• Boosts employment Scrap metal recycling helps to shape the UK economy. The BMRA state that 15,000 are employed in the UK scrap metal industry representing a £7 billion sector.